• ABOUT
  • BLOG
  • ACTING
  • Lesa Wilson

  • Podcast
    • GUEST APPEARANCES
  • YOUTUBE

Lesa Wilson

Podcast

108: Staying in the Game with Alex Collins

May 17, 2022

APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | STITCHER | AMAZON

My guest this week is Alex Collins. He’s an actor, a teacher, an advocate for actors, and co-founder of Beyond Acting, which was designed to help actors with everything they didn’t learn in acting class. He’s an outspoken person for the Atlanta acting community and he leads with factual, researched information proving to be a trusted voice we can always count on. I’ve known Alex for many years, as we’ve been colleagues in the acting business, and have always placed a lot of value on his insight & experience so I’m excited to introduce you all to him today!
In this chat, Alex shares how he became an actor but before he went pro, he actually dropped out of his first two acting classes. In the end, he became a full time actor despite originally being a hobbyist. We also discuss his experience as a soccer player & how he wasn’t in it for the long haul. He shares what giving up his dream of soccer did to him emotionally, but how those trials helped him as an artist and that’s what it’s all about! Constant growth and evolution.
One of my favorite parts of the chat was Alex’s take on set etiquette for actors. One of the biggest takeaways he gives is “read the room.” Respect other people’s energy & don’t try to force conversations or photos to document that you were there. Actors are on set to do a job. While it’s important to get out and observe, it’s equally as important to make sure you are not creating any issues. Alex says not to hide in your trailer because you can always learn more about the production and who the players are by paying attention to what’s happening around you.
“You cannot be a secret and be a success.” – DaJuan Johnson
We also discuss handling money as an independent contractor – side jobs are not a dirty word. Actors always need outside sources of income. Think about the longevity of your body in choosing a job that you can do for a long time. What do you enjoy?
Did you know Alex plays a superhero on The CW’s Stargirl? We dive into his role as Dr. MidNite aka Charles McNider and how it took him 2 decades to book a superhero franchise with the DC Universe. His character even has an action figure! Stargirl is a dream set to work on so of course we sing the praises of everyone we have met there.
Something he and I both agree on is the importance of having a life outside of the business. It helps to manage the emotions of the roller coaster of the business & it helps support you in the lean times. Compartmentalizing the emotions is also super important so they don’t overtake you. This business is a series of stops and starts. You can be on a show, then when it wraps you’re back at the end of the line waiting in the que for your next gig. Don’t forget that two steps forward & one step back is still positive, forward momentum. You just have to show up as honest & transparent as you can be and you’ll land where you’re meant to be.
“Stop trying to decipher what “they” want and be the most open vessel you can be.”
Alex shares some wise words from his mentor, Stan Kirsch. Stay in it. San meant it in terms of staying in the scene, but Alex expands on it saying “stay in the business, the pursuit, the marathon.  If you aren’t dressed then you wont be on the bench. If you aren’t on the bench, you can’t play the game. If you’re not in the game, you can’t do what you’ve done for years in practice. If you’re not in the game you can’t explode onto the scene and build a career.” Wise words indeed.
If you want to keep up with Alex online, you can find him on Instagram @alexbcollins & @beyondacting. He’s on Twitter @alexcollinsacts & he manages a Facebook group called The Approach. All of these are wonderful resources for actors trying to learn more about the business & grow their career.
I hope you enjoyed this episode! Please subscribe to the podcast and share it with anyone who can benefit from it. Thank you for tuning in!
0 Comments
Share

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

You May Also Like

July 5, 2022

112: How Alia Alston Built a Cryotherapy Empire

July 19, 2022

113: The Power of Radical Acceptance with Elise DuQuette

May 10, 2022

107: Personal Finance Strategies with Jasmine Johnson

Hi, I’m Lesa

An Atlanta based actress, podcaster, & big picture thinker. My passion is helping you design a life that you absolutely love. I'm also a dog mama, caffeine lover, & the queen of DIY projects.

Recent Posts

  • 113: The Power of Radical Acceptance with Elise DuQuette

    July 19, 2022
  • 112: How Alia Alston Built a Cryotherapy Empire

    July 5, 2022
  • 111: A New Approach to Dating with Camille Robinson Rogers

    June 28, 2022

On Instagram

Twinning! Not on purpose though 😂
*
*
*
*
*
#coffee #trend #silly #friends #giggles #funny #smile
hellolesa
hellolesa
•
Follow
Twinning! Not on purpose though 😂 * * * * * #coffee #trend #silly #friends #giggles #funny #smile
19 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
Woke up and chose violence 🥷🔪

I’ve had SO much fun training with @j.a._crooms! He’s taken my dream of being a baby ninja on screen from idea to reality. If you are an actor and want to play with stunts and fight training, hit ya boy up! He’s the 💣

Special thanks to @createdbycalvin for his mad stylish video skillzzzz! Over here making me look vicious and stuff. 😊

Jumpsuit: @missoni bc duh, would you expect anything less from me? 😜 and I had to channel my inner Angelina Jolie ala Mr. & Mrs. Smith. 
*
*
*
*
*
#blades #bladetraining #fight #fighttraining #practicedummy #jacrooms #lesawilson #reels #actor #actress #film #tv #dcuniverse #bobbieburman #rheajones #doompatrol #amtagency #wagnerentertainment #erisagency #explorepage
hellolesa
hellolesa
•
Follow
Woke up and chose violence 🥷🔪 I’ve had SO much fun training with @j.a._crooms! He’s taken my dream of being a baby ninja on screen from idea to reality. If you are an actor and want to play with stunts and fight training, hit ya boy up! He’s the 💣 Special thanks to @createdbycalvin for his mad stylish video skillzzzz! Over here making me look vicious and stuff. 😊 Jumpsuit: @missoni bc duh, would you expect anything less from me? 😜 and I had to channel my inner Angelina Jolie ala Mr. & Mrs. Smith. * * * * * #blades #bladetraining #fight #fighttraining #practicedummy #jacrooms #lesawilson #reels #actor #actress #film #tv #dcuniverse #bobbieburman #rheajones #doompatrol #amtagency #wagnerentertainment #erisagency #explorepage
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
Here’s a random dance party for your Thursday afternoon + a gentle reminder to have a little fun today. 💃🏻
*
*
*
*
*
#fun #girlsjustwannahavefun #reels #dance #silly #thursday #explore #laugh #play #photoshoot #actress #model
hellolesa
hellolesa
•
Follow
Here’s a random dance party for your Thursday afternoon + a gentle reminder to have a little fun today. 💃🏻 * * * * * #fun #girlsjustwannahavefun #reels #dance #silly #thursday #explore #laugh #play #photoshoot #actress #model
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
About last night. ❤️ 

Thanks for an epic night @jezebelmagazine! 
*
*
*
*
*
#jezebelmagazine #modernluxury #mosteligible #party #atlanta #girlsnight #nofilter #fun #dance #thesoutherngentleman #atl #happy
About last night. ❤️ 

Thanks for an epic night @jezebelmagazine! 
*
*
*
*
*
#jezebelmagazine #modernluxury #mosteligible #party #atlanta #girlsnight #nofilter #fun #dance #thesoutherngentleman #atl #happy
About last night. ❤️ 

Thanks for an epic night @jezebelmagazine! 
*
*
*
*
*
#jezebelmagazine #modernluxury #mosteligible #party #atlanta #girlsnight #nofilter #fun #dance #thesoutherngentleman #atl #happy
hellolesa
hellolesa
•
Follow
About last night. ❤️ Thanks for an epic night @jezebelmagazine! * * * * * #jezebelmagazine #modernluxury #mosteligible #party #atlanta #girlsnight #nofilter #fun #dance #thesoutherngentleman #atl #happy
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
On a noble quest to find content ideas for our reels, because… the algorithm, duh. 

Recently I’ve found content creation to be one of my favorite things. Production was my first love way back in my high school days. I started my career in radio as an 11th grader and then moved into television through the local Comcast affiliate in my hometown. I was 17 at the time and had no idea that I’d end up on the path I took, but I sure am glad I said yes to all the open doors along the way. Who knew you could create for a living. Ha! Such a gift. 

And now here we are - being silly on IG, creating short form videos, learning to adapt to technology changes & making it playtime. I’m here for it. 

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming and we shall continue our quest. Shout out to @jimmyfallon for this fun idea & @sandragrimaldicauley for being my partner in crime. 😈
*
*
*
*
*
#silly #ig #reels #funny #fallon #play #fun #friends #tv #film #actor
hellolesa
hellolesa
•
Follow
On a noble quest to find content ideas for our reels, because… the algorithm, duh. Recently I’ve found content creation to be one of my favorite things. Production was my first love way back in my high school days. I started my career in radio as an 11th grader and then moved into television through the local Comcast affiliate in my hometown. I was 17 at the time and had no idea that I’d end up on the path I took, but I sure am glad I said yes to all the open doors along the way. Who knew you could create for a living. Ha! Such a gift. And now here we are - being silly on IG, creating short form videos, learning to adapt to technology changes & making it playtime. I’m here for it. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming and we shall continue our quest. Shout out to @jimmyfallon for this fun idea & @sandragrimaldicauley for being my partner in crime. 😈 * * * * * #silly #ig #reels #funny #fallon #play #fun #friends #tv #film #actor
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
Sorry Bob 🤷🏼‍♀️ didn’t mean to do ya like that. 

Blade practice with the best! @j.a._crooms 
*
*
*
*
*
#bladetraining #jacrooms #atlanta #actress #fierce #fun #fighttraining #tv #film #dcuniverse #bobbieburman #lesawilson #extra
hellolesa
hellolesa
•
Follow
Sorry Bob 🤷🏼‍♀️ didn’t mean to do ya like that. Blade practice with the best! @j.a._crooms * * * * * #bladetraining #jacrooms #atlanta #actress #fierce #fun #fighttraining #tv #film #dcuniverse #bobbieburman #lesawilson #extra
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
@hellolesa

Podcast

Personal Development

The Latest Video

The Latest Video The Latest Video

4 Tips for Emotional Sanity as an Actor!

Subscribe to My Channel
Twinning! Not on purpose though 😂
*
*
*
*
*
#coffee #trend #silly #friends #giggles #funny #smile
hellolesa
hellolesa
•
Follow
Twinning! Not on purpose though 😂 * * * * * #coffee #trend #silly #friends #giggles #funny #smile
19 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
Woke up and chose violence 🥷🔪

I’ve had SO much fun training with @j.a._crooms! He’s taken my dream of being a baby ninja on screen from idea to reality. If you are an actor and want to play with stunts and fight training, hit ya boy up! He’s the 💣

Special thanks to @createdbycalvin for his mad stylish video skillzzzz! Over here making me look vicious and stuff. 😊

Jumpsuit: @missoni bc duh, would you expect anything less from me? 😜 and I had to channel my inner Angelina Jolie ala Mr. & Mrs. Smith. 
*
*
*
*
*
#blades #bladetraining #fight #fighttraining #practicedummy #jacrooms #lesawilson #reels #actor #actress #film #tv #dcuniverse #bobbieburman #rheajones #doompatrol #amtagency #wagnerentertainment #erisagency #explorepage
hellolesa
hellolesa
•
Follow
Woke up and chose violence 🥷🔪 I’ve had SO much fun training with @j.a._crooms! He’s taken my dream of being a baby ninja on screen from idea to reality. If you are an actor and want to play with stunts and fight training, hit ya boy up! He’s the 💣 Special thanks to @createdbycalvin for his mad stylish video skillzzzz! Over here making me look vicious and stuff. 😊 Jumpsuit: @missoni bc duh, would you expect anything less from me? 😜 and I had to channel my inner Angelina Jolie ala Mr. & Mrs. Smith. * * * * * #blades #bladetraining #fight #fighttraining #practicedummy #jacrooms #lesawilson #reels #actor #actress #film #tv #dcuniverse #bobbieburman #rheajones #doompatrol #amtagency #wagnerentertainment #erisagency #explorepage
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
Here’s a random dance party for your Thursday afternoon + a gentle reminder to have a little fun today. 💃🏻
*
*
*
*
*
#fun #girlsjustwannahavefun #reels #dance #silly #thursday #explore #laugh #play #photoshoot #actress #model
hellolesa
hellolesa
•
Follow
Here’s a random dance party for your Thursday afternoon + a gentle reminder to have a little fun today. 💃🏻 * * * * * #fun #girlsjustwannahavefun #reels #dance #silly #thursday #explore #laugh #play #photoshoot #actress #model
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
About last night. ❤️ 

Thanks for an epic night @jezebelmagazine! 
*
*
*
*
*
#jezebelmagazine #modernluxury #mosteligible #party #atlanta #girlsnight #nofilter #fun #dance #thesoutherngentleman #atl #happy
About last night. ❤️ 

Thanks for an epic night @jezebelmagazine! 
*
*
*
*
*
#jezebelmagazine #modernluxury #mosteligible #party #atlanta #girlsnight #nofilter #fun #dance #thesoutherngentleman #atl #happy
About last night. ❤️ 

Thanks for an epic night @jezebelmagazine! 
*
*
*
*
*
#jezebelmagazine #modernluxury #mosteligible #party #atlanta #girlsnight #nofilter #fun #dance #thesoutherngentleman #atl #happy
hellolesa
hellolesa
•
Follow
About last night. ❤️ Thanks for an epic night @jezebelmagazine! * * * * * #jezebelmagazine #modernluxury #mosteligible #party #atlanta #girlsnight #nofilter #fun #dance #thesoutherngentleman #atl #happy
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
On a noble quest to find content ideas for our reels, because… the algorithm, duh. 

Recently I’ve found content creation to be one of my favorite things. Production was my first love way back in my high school days. I started my career in radio as an 11th grader and then moved into television through the local Comcast affiliate in my hometown. I was 17 at the time and had no idea that I’d end up on the path I took, but I sure am glad I said yes to all the open doors along the way. Who knew you could create for a living. Ha! Such a gift. 

And now here we are - being silly on IG, creating short form videos, learning to adapt to technology changes & making it playtime. I’m here for it. 

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming and we shall continue our quest. Shout out to @jimmyfallon for this fun idea & @sandragrimaldicauley for being my partner in crime. 😈
*
*
*
*
*
#silly #ig #reels #funny #fallon #play #fun #friends #tv #film #actor
hellolesa
hellolesa
•
Follow
On a noble quest to find content ideas for our reels, because… the algorithm, duh. Recently I’ve found content creation to be one of my favorite things. Production was my first love way back in my high school days. I started my career in radio as an 11th grader and then moved into television through the local Comcast affiliate in my hometown. I was 17 at the time and had no idea that I’d end up on the path I took, but I sure am glad I said yes to all the open doors along the way. Who knew you could create for a living. Ha! Such a gift. And now here we are - being silly on IG, creating short form videos, learning to adapt to technology changes & making it playtime. I’m here for it. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming and we shall continue our quest. Shout out to @jimmyfallon for this fun idea & @sandragrimaldicauley for being my partner in crime. 😈 * * * * * #silly #ig #reels #funny #fallon #play #fun #friends #tv #film #actor
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/5
@hellolesa
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact

Copyright 2022, Lesa Wilson, INC. Site Powered by Pix & Hue.